Two months after their installation, electric scooter users are being attacked by cyclists and pedestrians. Two municipal police officers attended a Gap prevention day on Thursday, July 7. They confirmed without generalizing: "It's true that we see unacceptable behavior. Some people ride on sidewalks while others are on multiple scooters. We have been pedagogical so far. Passers-by agree with Michel, 67: "I can travel by foot or bike and I see the incivilities that come to people on scooters," Michel says.
These feedbacks led to the creation of a prevention afternoon for scooter use by the Gap town hall in partnership with Road Prevention and the Hautes-Alpes safety centre. This is at the foothill of rue Pre de Foire, on the side street Albert-Latty. Volunteers assist those who want to take part in an obstacle course and give advice to passers-by. Participants of all ages are welcome to join the fun. It's a lot of fun, something I had never tried before. It also revises Highway Codes, "smiles ColletteCharles, 18. To add, "For short trips I will think about the electric scooter. Jean-Marc, 65 years old, had never been on a scooter before this day. It's worth the trip, it's beautiful, but I don't see myself using it every day.
One of the officers said, "You realize that people you are checking don't know the rules associated with using the devices." The majority of pedestrians, bicyclists and users who approached us throughout the day were in this situation. Two teens on two scooters were stopped by the police and pedagogy was used to inform them. Pascal Masse, volunteer delegate to road safety, says that this is why awareness days exist. To conclude, "This type of day will continue to happen in the future."
